Learning Process

Governor Quinn Names New Chair for Illinois Board of Higher Education – Lindsay Anderson to Succeed Carrie Hightman

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Lindsay Anderson, a senior advisor for his administration, will succeed Carrie Hightman as chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Anderson brings extensive legal and governmental experience, including the coordination and oversight of legislative agendas for state agencies such as the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Today’s announcement continues the governor’s commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

“Carrie Hightman has contributed a significant amount to thousands of students and I thank her for her service to the state of Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “Lindsay Anderson is a talented public servant who will work hard to improve higher education in Illinois, and encourage our young residents to pursue post secondary schooling, which will strengthen Illinois’ economy.”

Anderson most recently served as a Senior Advisor to Governor Quinn and as Chair of the Illinois Campaign finance Reform Task Force. Prior to thos

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UConn, Mitchell College negotiate dorm agreement

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — Mitchell College and the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus are negotiating an agreement for UConn students to fill empty Mitchell College dorm rooms.

It’s the latest effort by Mitchell College to cut costs and raise revenue. Last spring, it changed its mission statement to appeal to more students and laid off about half of the two dozen specialists in the academic support program for students with learning disabilities.

Due to a decrease in enrollment at Mitchell College and with more students moving into apartments off campus, the college has rooms to spare.

UConn Avery Point does not have dormitories. T

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Orange schools praised for improving black students’ AP passing rates

The Orange County school district is one of six urban school systems that deserves praise for improving black students’ success on Advanced Placement exams, according to a report issued today. But the report noted that “the pace of progress is glacial” even in those six districts, which outpaced nearly 70 other urban school systems across the country.

Orange was the only Florida school district highlighted in the report, released by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. The foundation administers the 1$ million Broad Prize for Urban Education, which Orange has its sights on winning.

AP courses aim to give students a challenging academic option, one meant to be similar to an introductory college course. AP covers a range from subjects, from biology to U.S. history, psychology to Spanish.

Florida public schools have been on an AP push for more than a decade. Classes once restricted only to a high school’s top students were opened to many more teenagers, who can earn college credit with good scores on AP exams.

The report found that Orange and the five others improved black students’ passing rates on AP exams during the past four years while holding steady or increasing their participation rates in AP courses. In

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Police: SC school worker had sex with student

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — Authorities say an employee at the Charleston County School of the Arts has been arrested after a 16-year-old student said he had sex with her several times on school grounds.

Investigators say Carl Barnwell Jr. is the school’s theater manager. He was charged with sexual battery of a student on Thursday.

Police say they began investigating when a parent found letters from her daughter to the victim that talked about the sexual relationship.

Authorities say the student told them the relationship began in December and involved them having sex on school grounds about once a week.

It wasn’t known if Barnwell had an attorney.

WWII veteran given high school diploma

Menzo Caswell with his honorary diploma NEWBERRY —

In an event fitting for Memorial Day weekend, Newberry High School granted a World War II veteran his diploma Sunday.

Ninety-four-year-old Menzo Caswell dropped out of school when he was 16. He was eventually drafted and served during World War II and never went back to school. Sunday, he received an honorary high school diploma under Michigan World War II and Korean Veterans Public Act 181. Caswell had more than 40 family members present for the graduation. He was escorted by his two great-great nephews who are also part of the class of 2013. He says his wife, Sandy, deserves most of the credit.

“She heard about it and said I have to have it…I think it’s a beautiful thing. I’m really getting a bang out of it, and I think I’m just going to enjoy it,” said Caswell.

Caswell received a standing ovation. After receiving his diploma, he was speechless. Caswell was honored with 41 other graduates. Ot

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Parents Have Until April 30 to Enroll in College Illinois!® – Last chance to take advantage of current contract pricing.

CHICAGO–Illinois parents have only two weeks to sign up for the College Illinois! 529 Prepaid Tuition Program before the current enrollment period ends April 30. The College Illinois! program allows families to prepay for college years in advance at significantly lower cost.

“With ever rising costs of higher education, College Illinois! offers parents a great opportunity to plan ahead and make college more affordable for their kids,” said Eric Zarnikow, Executive Director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, which administers the program. “We’re urging parents to seize the day and sign up for College Illinois!, or talk to one of our advisers now, before the enrollment period closes.”

“For as little as $44 per month, parents, grandparents or guardians can start on the path to a prepaid college education for their children.”

Zarnikow noted that a child born today is projected to incur college costs of as much as $180,000 to attend an Illinois four-year public university. College Illinois! allows famili

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